Is Mineral, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75/100
waterverge.com Mineral, VA — Water Quality Report
Mineral's drinking water received a grade of B (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 503 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 36 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mineral's water
Mineral ranks #170 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Mineral may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mineral, VA water safe to drink?
Mineral's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 503 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mineral
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mineral's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mineral's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mineral's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Louisa County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include N Anna River, Pamunkey Creek.
Where does Mineral's water come from?
Mineral's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 503 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include N Anna River (river), Pamunkey Creek (river).
What Mineral residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mineral's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Mineral's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFrederick County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Louisa County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mineral's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 5.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mineral compares by contaminant
Explore where Mineral ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mineral's water comes from
Mineral's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 503 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mineral
Mineral is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mineral
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINERAL, TOWN OF | VA2109525 | 478 | SWP |
| HILLTOP MOBILE HOME PARK | VA2069300 | 25 | GW |
How Mineral compares
Full Virginia rankings →Mineral's score of 75/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Mineral, VA
Wikipedia →Mineral is a town in Louisa County, Virginia, United States. The population was 474 at the 2020 census, with a pop. density of 588.96, and a 15.1% poverty rate. The town has a very deep history of mining, which gave it the name "Mineral" in 1902 - originally, the town's name was Tolersville.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mineral's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Louisa
Frequently asked questions
Is Mineral, VA tap water safe to drink?
Mineral's water quality earned a grade of B (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #170 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Mineral's water?
Lead was measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Mineral's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Mineral?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mineral's water come from?
Mineral's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 503 residents.
What health violations has Mineral's water system had?
Mineral has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mineral's water compare to other cities?
Mineral ranks #170 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 26% of state cities) and #9710 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.